Culturally Sensitive Care
These are basic tips for beginning CHRs,
they are not specific but important to remember:
- Be warm and friendly-make the patient feel that you genuinely
care about them.
- The first meeting is extremely important, it sets the basis of
your relationship.
- Make the patient feel welcome.
- Use language the patient can understand (medical terminology
may be confusing.) If a patient speaks a different language do
your best to explain yourself and refer them to a CHR who can speak
their language.
- With the patient’s consent involve the family (may include
extended family as well.) The family plays crucial role in the
patient’s outcome, the support of family will help speed
recovery and raise social wellbeing.
- Treat them how you or how you would like your family to be treated.
- Do not rush the patient.
- Advocate for the best of the patient.
It is important for the health care provider to note that each People
have their own cultural preferences of relationships and roles. Native
People have their own social norms; however some of these are stereotypes
and may not be as common and many of the CHRs are familiar with those
of their people.
- Silence is valued and is not necessarily a negative behavior.
Sometimes the patient may require time to think and respond to
a comment.
- Time is viewed more passively and the people are more task conscious
as opposed to task conscious.
- Eye contact is used in varying degrees and should be limited.
- Respect tribal healing ways and the diagnosis, work to accommodate
their beliefs. CHR’s can give their support to traditional
healing by respecting the people’s ways and not degrading
the beliefs of other peoples.
- Show great respect to the elderly. In many cases the elders are
not accustomed to the modern healthcare facilities, the new atmosphere,
the noises, the caregivers and types treatment; for many of them
it may be their first trip to a medical facility, it is important
to ease their mind and explain procedures thoroughly.
The I H S Primary
Care Provider, a journal for health professionals working
with American Indians and Alaska Natives, can be obtained free
of charge from this address:
Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Clinical Support Center
1616 East Indian School Road, Suite 375
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
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